People have linked silver to luxury for decades -- the phrase "silver spoon" is associated with wealth for a reason. 

Sterling silver -- 92.5% silver, 7.5% other metal alloys (usually copper) -- brings the tradition of luxurious silver to jewelry. 

Some people think sterling silver is only for earrings. Others think that it's just a cheap alternative to white gold.

In fact, sterling silver is used in every type of jewelry imaginable to create looks that can be both timeless and trendy. 

Modern jewelry designers are flocking to this noble metal because it's the perfect combination of malleability, beauty, and durability. 

Whether you're looking for everyday accessories or a timeless statement piece, you'll probably find sterling silver jewelry that seems like it's been tailored to your personal tastes. 

Keep reading for seven reasons you should add sterling silver to your jewelry box. 

1.  STERLING SILVER JEWELRY IS DURABLE

When taken care of correctly, sterling silver jewelry can last you a lifetime. Savvy sterling silver owners know that their pieces can look exactly the same even after forty years! 

True 925 sterling silver is not cheap. The extra cost is more than worth it for the quality and lifetime value of the jewelry. 

Some of your well-made pieces may even become family heirlooms in the future. 

To make sure that you're getting the best quality jewelry,  you should buy from established, reputable jewelry companies, and look for marks like these in a hidden place on your new accessory:

·         925 or .925

·         sterling

·         sterling silver

Even if you don't want lifetime jewelry just yet, sterling silver is still a smart purchase because...

2.  YOU CAN EASILY KEEP UP WITH TRENDS

Any woman who likes to keep up with the latest news in fashion and jewelry knows that the pace of fast-fashion jewelry trends can be dizzying. 

Keeping up with what's in and what's out is exhausting. 

Luckily, sterling silver's popularity means it's almost always guaranteed to be in. The latest styles in jewelry will always include sterling silver, even if the designs change. 

Recently, for example, gemstones and uncut minerals have become a staple of spring and summertime accessories. Often, those stones are set in sterling silver.

Keeping a few silver pieces on hand in your jewelry rotation is a sure way to make sure you always look your best.  

3. THERE ARE ENDLESS OPTIONS

Because silver is a relatively soft metal, it's easy for jewelers to mold and experiment with -- which means there are constantly new designs up for offer. 

The wide range of styles and designs in sterling silver means that you're sure to find a piece (or twenty) that fits your personal style.

Whether you're looking for a locket, bracelet, ring, or pendant, there are thousands of options. One of our favorite pieces are the sterling silver friendship bracelets or sterling silver hoop earrings.

Even sterling silver loyalists are never limited to the same variations on old concepts. Innovation is constant.

There's always a new 925 sterling piece to spruce up your collection!  

4. YOU CAN BUILD A NEW JEWELRY COLLECTION IN NO TIME

The variety of sterling silver options available makes it easy to completely build or upgrade your jewelry collection.

Maybe you want to build a look around one of your more expensive statement pieces. Sterling silver complements most metals, so you don't have to worry about anything clashing.

Likewise, if you're looking for unique high-end pieces, sterling silver should be on your list. Designers use it to cast their most creative designs all the time. 

One of the big perks of sterling silver is that it's not just popular with consumers -- it's also popular with designers.

People are excited to buy the latest styles that designers create, and designers are happy to keep creating new things.

Sterling silver jewelry is a win for both parties. 

5. INCREDIBLE VERSATILITY

Sterling silver jewelry is appropriate no matter what the occasion may be. 

Embellishing an ensemble for the Met Gala? Sterling silver. Dressing up a casual dinner outfit? Silver. PTA meeting? You get the idea...

You might even be able to wear the same piece for both occasions! 

Why? Silver adds a classy touch to any look. 

Its versatility even extends to how it looks with other metals.

Maybe you want to add sterling silver to a jewelry collection that already has a lot of white gold or platinum pieces. You don't have to worry that your new jewelry won't match your outfits as the old collection did. 

In fact, you can even wear sterling silver jewelry with a white gold or platinum piece and still create a look that is put together. The colors are close enough that you won't look like you'remixing up jewelry. Instead, you'll create a new image that is uniquely you. 

6. HYPOALLERGENIC JEWELRY

Unlike pieces that are made of inexpensive nickel, brass, or other base metals, which can irritate your skin, sterling silver jewelry doesn't contain metal additions that can cause an allergic reaction.

People who are allergic to metals such as nickel and or brass can wear sterling silver jewelry without much worry. This is especially important for accessories like earrings -- you can wear them without fear that a piercing will get infected. 

The metal addition to sterling silver is usually copper, which isn't as likely to cause an allergic reaction. 

Don your silver with confidence knowing that you won't face any consequences later.  

7. EASY TO MAINTAIN

As beautiful as silver is, many women have avoided it at some point for one reason -- tarnish.

It's disappointing to see a favorite piece suddenly look dirty or discolored after sitting in a jewelry box for just a bit too long. 

All silver can tarnish with time, especially if it's not worn often. 

Here's the good news -- wearing your jewelry can actually help prevent tarnish. The oils on your skin 'clean' the metal, which means you don't have to worry about that dirty look

Interested in learning more or starting your own sterling silver collection?